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Home › Blog › How Can I Charge My Battery with an Ignition Interlock?

The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, may not reflect the most current developments, is not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. See full disclaimer.

How Can I Charge My Battery with an Ignition Interlock?

January 8, 2016

Your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) works in a symbiotic cycle with other parts in your car, and for it to work properly, the car parts have to work as well!

A battery in good condition is essential for a happy driver and a working vehicle! It’s also pertinent that your battery be in good condition for your Smart Start Ignition Interlock Device to work properly.

If you have the SSI-20/20™ or SSI-20/30™, you can test to make sure your battery has enough voltage by pressing the # sign, and then 2 on your user-friendly keypad.  If your battery is below 12 volts, your battery may prevent your breath sample from registering effectively.  You may need to charge your battery to ensure that your battery does not interfere with the accuracy of your breath tests.  Just follow these simple steps:

  1. If your state allows it, disconnect your head unit from the curly cord before you connect jumper cables or a charger to your battery. You can only disconnect the head unit while your vehicle is off.  As of 1/8/16, only New York and Wisconsin do not allow you to detach your head unit while the car is off, but laws are always subject to change, so check first!
  2. Retrieve the user manual for your car, truck, or crossover vehicle.
  3. Follow the instructions in your vehicle’s user manual to connect the jumper cables or charger to your battery.
  4. After charging the battery for the determined amount of time, reconnect the head unit.
  5. Try to start your vehicle as you normally do.
  6. Remove the jumper cables or charger as instructed by your owner’s manual.

Ready to drive again after a DUI or DWI? Get back on the road safely with a reliable & discreet Ignition Interlock Device. Learn more!

Following these steps should allow you to keep your battery in effective shape so your breath tests will be as accurate as possible!  Your Smart Start Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is designed to work WITH your battery, not against it.

If you have any further questions about your ignition interlock system and the way it interacts with the rest of your car, you can always visit our FAQ page or call our Customer Care Center at 1-800-831-3299.  Smart Start is here to help you throughout the duration of your restriction driving program!

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Disclaimer

The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Links to any third-party websites herein are provided for your reference and convenience only; Smart Start does not recommend or endorse such third party sites or their accuracy or reliability. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding all content, materials, and information, and with respect to actions taken or not taken in reliance on such. The content is provided “as is;” no representations are made that the content is error-free.

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